Well actually, because any raised area on a coin is actually RECESSED on the die, the area between the columns is actually the higher point on the die. So when the mint abrades the die, the lines will show up in the fields (the area between the columns) instead of on the columns themselves. The mint didn't need to scrub "in between" the columns, because the fields are higher than the columns on the die. Of course, if you would actually read the various sites I have linked in the past, you would already know this.
Ahem, did you notice the horizontal nature of the polishing on the rest of the field outside the bays, presumably at the same elevation of the bays - raised up and all that - waaaaaay back up ^ there in the OP. They had amazing control to do the bays in another direction, notwithstanding your misunderstandings.
People can scrub a die in multiple directions, you know. Not sure what's so hard to understand about that...not to mention the fact that the lines are 1) too thin to represent a doubled column 2) not uniform in straightness to be a doubled column 3) too identical to the numerous die scratches around them to be a doubled column Not sure what misunderstandings I'm having. Everything I have said in this thread is true.
Nice topic, but, we're calling them Die Finishing Lines, now... "D) The die finishing lines on this coin are extensive, peculiar and fascinating. Indeed, they are deep, varying in dimensions, and very entertaining. A glass with at least ten times magnification is needed to thoroughly enjoy them, though many are apparent at three times magnification. When metal brushes and other tools impart lines in the dies, or sandpaper-like patches, raised lines and bumps appear on the coin that is struck with such dies. There are areas on the coin that indicate that portions of the dies were unusually treated such that patches of small, raised shapes resulted. On this coin, there are an astonishingly large number of die finishing lines, of varying lengths, densities and angles. In some areas, the die finishing lines are somewhat parallel and are spread apart. In other areas, they are close together or even lumped. Many die finishing lines on this coin crisscross. Some die striations are much higher than others (thus in greater relief); some are wider; some are shorter. Yes, there are many die finishing lines on a large number of Proof Three Cent Silvers and on an even larger number of business strikes. Indeed, die finishing lines are often found on Three Cent Silvers. The groups, patterns, shapes, and variations of die finishing lines and other die treatment evident on this coin, however, are dramatically different, especially when the overall fabric of the coin is contemplated. I cannot fully explain the fabric of the Eliasberg 1851 Three Cent Silver. There are factors that cannot be articulated. The individual or group that polished and otherwise treated the dies used to make this coin seemed to have had a great deal of fun. Areas on the dies corresponding to portions of the coin were given different treatments, including differences of degree and differences ‘in kind.’ The result is very cool." http://www.coinweek.com/featured-ne...ics-the-most-valuable-three-cent-silver-coin/
I guess the issue is nomenclature, and perhaps in this area it is not well established. Everybody agrees the raised liniments are from the mint, and more specifically an impression from the die surface, right? Varying forms can happen 1) with initial treatment of the die, 2) as a repair to the die 3)other ? So let us coin some terms! What do we call the following: Liniments resultant from new die treatments? Liniments resultant from removing clash and other defects? Liniments resultant from other treatment/polishing events? Does it matter if it is mechanical or by hand?
